Traveling around Europe is one of the great pleasures for many citizens. The ease of circulation between countries, cultural richness and the diversity of landscapes make our continent a destination of election. Whether by leisure, business or family visits, more and more people take advantage of the European Union to move without major bureaucracies. But there is some care to be taken, especially in the countries most sought after by tourists. In this article, we will tell you about the countries where residents feel less safe in their housing areas, and the most ‘dangerous’ country in Europe is a much sought after by the Portuguese.
The attention to have
However, despite the general security that characterizes many European countries, a recent report warns of increasing organized crime and violence in various regions. According to a briefing released by the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS), this trend has been growing due to strong competition between rival criminal groups.
The latest Eurostat data show that 10% of European Union citizens say they were victims of crime, violence or vandalism in their area of residence. Among people living in the most economic vulnerability, this percentage rises to 12.3%.
One of the most worrying phenomena identified by the report is the recruitment of minors for criminal networks and terrorist groups. Some countries have more intensely sense this problem and adopted extreme measures to combat it. Sweden, for example, has changed the legislation to allow telephone listening to children under 15, in response to a wave of explosive attacks. Since the beginning of 2025, at least 36 bombs have been registered in the country.
Although Europe remains one of the safest continents in the world, either to live and to travel, the EPRS report points out that organized crime is becoming increasingly digital and globalized. Increased competition between criminal networks may contribute to the growth of violence associated with these illicit activities.
The tourist paradise that is the leader of this list
The perception of insecurity varies from country to country, being Greece, one of the favorite destinations of the Portuguese to travel, the nation of Europe where citizens report most problems related to crime, violence or vandalism, says. According to statistics, 20.9% of Greeks claim to feel insecure in their area of residence. In the Netherlands, this percentage is 16.7%, in Bulgaria of 15.6%, in France of 14.7%, in Spain of 13.6%and in Belgium of 12.5%.
Portugal’s position in this ranking
Portugal comes below the European average, with 6.9% of the population reporting concerns about crime. Still, it is essential that citizens are attentive and informed, especially in large urban centers and tourist areas, where criminal activity can be more intense.
In Greece, one of the main problems has been violence associated with football fans. Conflicts between organized groups have led to the closure of stadiums and the implementation of new more rigorous rules for the cheerleaders and the sale of tickets.
Related:
On the other hand, the countries that record the lowest levels of crime are Croatia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Estonia. In all these nations, less than 5% of the population reports feeling affected by crimes or acts of vandalism.
Reasons for increasing crime
One of the main reasons for increasing crime in some European countries is related to drug trafficking. Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and France are some of the nations where this problem has aggravated. The apprehension of large amounts of drugs and the clashes between gangs are increasingly frequent, contributing to a feeling of growing insecurity among the population.
The growth of organized crime represents a challenge for European authorities, who seek to reinforce security and implement effective policies to combat this trend. Cooperation between countries has been essential for sharing information and combating drug trafficking and associated violence.
The precaution is essential
Despite this scenario, it is important to remember that most European cities are still safe for residents and tourists. However, it is essential that citizens adopt precautionary measures when traveling, such as avoiding risk zones at night and keeping attention to belongings in busy places.
Authorities also recommend that travelers will be aware of the security situation in destination countries before they depart. Knowing the contacts of local security forces and following embassies recommendations can make all the difference in case of need.
With global growth of organized crime and urban violence, citizens’ attention and prudence become increasingly essential. Travel remains an enriching experience, but should be done with awareness and precaution.
Also read:
